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Transit Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Resident Engineer - Transit and Rail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois is preferred. * 10 + years of resident engineering experience managing transit/rail construction projects * Experience in client prepositioning activities ...

Senior Resident Engineer - Transit and Rail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois is preferred. * 10 + years of resident engineering experience managing transit/rail construction projects * Experience in client prepositioning activities ...

Senior Resident Engineer - Transit and Rail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois is preferred. * 10 + years of resident engineering experience managing transit/rail construction projects * Experience in client prepositioning activities ...

Lead transit facility projects, programs, and task orders from planning through design ... Professional Engineering registration in the State of Illinois (if applicable). * Experience ...

Lead architectural design and documentation for transit facilities including stations, support ... You'll work alongside leading engineers, architects, and planners on projects that directly impact ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$115.1K

$209.3K

How much do transit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit engineer in Chicago, IL is $115,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit engineer?

Transit engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the construction and maintenance of public transportation systems such as subways, light rail, and bus networks. They work to ensure that these systems are safe, efficient, and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Transit engineers collaborate with urban planners, government agencies, and contractors to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance the commuter experience in urban areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transit Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and transportation modeling tools is typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate across teams and address complex transit challenges. Mastery of these skills ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable design and operation of public transportation systems.

What are some common challenges transit engineers face when coordinating with multiple stakeholders on large infrastructure projects?

Transit Engineers often work on complex projects that require collaboration with government agencies, contractors, consultants, and community groups. One common challenge is aligning the diverse priorities and timelines of these stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Effective communication, project management, and negotiation skills are essential to navigate differing expectations and keep projects on track. Being adaptive and proactive in addressing concerns can help streamline decision-making and minimize delays.

What is the difference between Transit Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransit EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license typically required
Work EnvironmentPublic transit agencies, transportation departments, urban planning projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban development
Industry UsageTransportation planning, transit system design, rail and bus infrastructureRoads, bridges, dams, airports, and other infrastructure

Transit Engineers focus on designing and maintaining public transportation systems, working closely with transit agencies. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in urban development projects, but Transit Engineers specialize in transit-specific systems.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Transit Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Transit Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Transit Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $115,088 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Electrical Engineer (Design), Rail + Transit

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the design and delivery of electrical systems for rail and transit infrastructure projects.

  • Take ownership of design production, including development of construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and support field investigations, site assessments, and construction activities.


Job description

TYLin is a globally recognized, full-service infrastructure consulting firm committed to providing innovative, cost-effective, constructible designs for the global infrastructure market. With over 3,000 employees throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the firm provides support on projects of varying size and complexity. Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people with better mobility. We steward precious resources by finding more sustainable solutions.

Job SummaryAt TYLin, we believe exceptional engineers are built through exposure to challenging projects, meaningful responsibility, and strong technical mentorship.
We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our growing Chicago team, focused on the design and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects across the Chicago region and beyond.
This is not a role for someone looking to simply produce repetitive designs. We are looking for an engineer who thrives in technically demanding environments - someone who enjoys solving problems within active transit systems, navigating modernization and rehabilitation programs, and taking ownership of sophisticated electrical design packages from concept through construction.
You will play a central role in the design and delivery of electrical systems that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of transit networks. This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious engineer who wants to deepen their technical expertise, become a recognized design leader, and position themselves for future leadership opportunities within one of North America's leading transportation engineering practices.
The projects are highly visible, technically complex, and directly impact the transit systems that millions of people rely upon every day.Responsibilities & Qualifications

What You'll Work On

You will support the design and delivery of electrical systems for a wide range of rail and transit infrastructure projects, including:

  • Heavy rail and rapid transit systems

  • Commuter rail corridors and facilities

  • Transit stations and passenger facilities

  • Rail maintenance and storage facilities

  • Traction power and power distribution infrastructure

  • Signal and communications support facilities

  • Transit modernization and state-of-good-repair programs

  • Major station renovations and accessibility improvements

  • New transit expansions and capacity enhancement projects

This role will expose you to technically challenging transit infrastructure work, including:

  • Low- and medium-voltage power distribution systems

  • Station electrical systems and passenger facility power

  • Lighting design and photometric analysis

  • Emergency power and backup power systems

  • Electrical rooms, substations, and support facilities

  • Equipment power coordination for signaling, communications, and operational systems

  • Facility modernization within active transit environments

  • Multidisciplinary coordination across civil, structural, architectural, systems, and rail disciplines

What You'll Do

  • Lead and support detailed electrical design for rail and transit infrastructure projects

  • Take ownership of design production, including development of construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation

  • Develop electrical layouts, single-line diagrams, power distribution systems, and equipment connection details

  • Perform electrical load calculations, equipment sizing, and system studies

  • Support lighting design and photometric analysis for stations, facilities, and operational environments

  • Coordinate closely with transit systems, civil, structural, architectural, and mechanical engineering teams

  • Participate in field investigations, site assessments, and construction support activities

  • Support transit agency clients through design development, stakeholder coordination, and project delivery

  • Help mentor and support junior engineers and designers, contributing to the technical growth of the team

  • Serve as a trusted technical contributor capable of independently advancing complex design tasks and delivering high-quality work

What We're Seeking

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required

  • Approximately 5-10+ years of relevant electrical engineering experience

  • Experience designing electrical systems for transportation, transit, rail, infrastructure, institutional, or large public-sector projects

  • Strong experience with power distribution systems, single-line diagrams, and electrical infrastructure design

  • Experience supporting station, facility, or transportation infrastructure projects is highly desirable

  • Experience with transit facilities, maintenance facilities, rail infrastructure, or transportation agencies is a major plus

  • Familiarity with emergency power systems, service upgrades, and facility modernization projects

  • Strong working knowledge of NEC and applicable industry standards

  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit

  • Experience using AGi32 for lighting calculations and photometric analysis

  • Ability to work independently, proactively solve problems, and confidently take ownership of technical deliverables

The Type of Engineer Who Will Thrive Here

This role is best suited for someone who is:

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented

  • Technically driven and motivated by engineering excellence

  • Comfortable operating independently and taking initiative

  • Energized by complex transit infrastructure challenges rather than repetitive production work

  • Interested in becoming a future technical lead, discipline manager, or project leader

  • A strong communicator who enjoys collaborating across multidisciplinary teams

  • Naturally proactive, accountable, and capable of driving work forward without waiting for direction

  • Excited by the opportunity to help modernize and expand critical public transportation systems

Why Join TYLin?

This is an opportunity to accelerate your career by working on some of the most ambitious rail and transit infrastructure programs in Chicago and across North America.

You will gain exposure to technically demanding, multidisciplinary transit projects, collaborate with highly experienced transportation engineers, and develop the kind of real-world design expertise that positions engineers for long-term leadership success.

If you are looking for a role where you can take ownership, sharpen your technical capabilities, mentor others, and help shape the future of public transportation through complex and meaningful infrastructure projects, we would like to hear from you.


Additional Information

TYLin is committed to pay equity.As part of that commitment, we haveprovidedthe base compensation range of$90,000 - $133,200annually for this position and local market.We recognize that each candidate brings a unique set of skills, experience,educationand competencies to the table that will be reflected in our offer.TYLinis proud to offer exciting career development opportunities.

TYLin offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits may include extensive medical, disability and life insurance coverage, continuing education benefits, paid time off, employee assistance program and a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

We encourage all candidates to explore our total rewards offering.

Collaboration, mission-driven focus, discipline, and leadership skills developed through military service benefit us all. Whether you are a Veteran, Guardsman or Reservist, a Military Spouse or you are planning to transition to civilian life in the near future, we welcome and value your application.

TYLin is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type as protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.The company and its employees are required to comply with all local health authority, legal or lawful client requirements.